Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Parthenium hysterophorus Mixed Soil Under Climatic Condition of Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is one of the most aggressive herbaceous weeds of the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed, almost across the world and has become the most important invasive weed throughout the globe. The infestation of parthenium has been reported to reduce grain and forage yields about by 40-90%. The spread of parthenium has been attributed to its alllelopathic potential. Allelochemicals released from parthenium have been reported to decrease germination and growth of agronomic crops, vegetables, trees and many other weed species. Growth promoting effects of parthenium extracts at low concentrations have also been reported in certain crops. A laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the germination and germination indices of maize with estimation of maize growth infested with parthenium allelopathy. This trial was conducted Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. Parthenium dry powder (5, 10, 15, and 20%) mixed with soil produced variable responses regarding seed germination and seedling growth. Emergence index, mean germination time and vigour index were significantly affected by various parthenium dry powder percentages. The smaller amount of parthenium powder (5, 10 and 15%) promoted the maize germination and seedling growth. The highest parthenium dry powder (20%) negatively affects the maize germination and seedling growth. Germination%, time to start germination and the time taken to 50% germination were not be affected by parthenium dry powder. Growth parameters like plant, root, shoot lengths and their respective weights were also adversely influenced by contaminated soil. Whole photosynthetic efficiency and plant physiological characters were also severely affected. 25% to 50% germination physiology was disturbed by 15% and 20% parthenium mixed soil respectively. Similar trend of decrease is found in plant biomass and photosynthesis. In light of our findings from this study, it is recommended that smaller amount of parthenium dry powder percentage (5, 10 and 15%) promoted the maize germination and seedling growth positively. Therefore' the maize can be planted in the field infested with parthenium weed to some extent and its planting should be avoided where the higher population of parthenium precedes the maize planting.